Money out of the Waugh Zoo

Heath, renamed the “Waugh Zoo” by an unidentified wit, is trying to put on a happy face over its traffic-camera disaster.

Politicians have yet to admit publicly (to my knowledge) that the Redflex and Heath government milking of motorists is hurting businesses.

Count the brainiacs in the local chamber of commerce as also being in denial on this matter. Evidence: its endorsement of the Waugh Zoo’s Mayor Waugh for the coming election.

Many commenters to Advocate news reports say they’re avoiding the Waugh Zoo, echoing the buzz I get from Newark cashiers and others.

I have not driven through the Waugh Zoo for three months, except for three trips in the first days of July. This has cost businesses there $1,716.84, assuming I would have spent the same average per month ($572.28) as I spent there during April and May, 2009.

Something else. I have developed new shopping habits, most no less convenient than the Waugh Zoo offerings; many are more so. That’s a factor I don’t think Heath’s good ol’ boys considered. The effects of the Waugh Zoo era - like the George W. Bush era - will linger.